By Santi Benavides

First, we'd like to share some great ministry news:

• We recently released a song called "Vamos Pa' Lante," and we produced it in partnership with an organization called Open Mind. The president of this organization mentioned that they noticed a lot of pessimism among the people they usually work with, so they wanted to create a campaign to address this. That same night, this song came to mind, I sent it to my friend, and it ended up becoming the theme song for their campaign. You can listen to it here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vzf35xqI2mc


• Many people in Latin America continue listening to the 12 songs on the album “Andar Sobre el Agua.” You can hear it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yro_AFiXs5A


• We are also continuing to work toward recording an album in English. Right now, we have a collection of fifteen songs that are currently being reviewed and refined. God has opened many doors for us to speak to the church through these songs. 


• Lately I've been reflecting a lot on our role as Christian musicians. It's easy to get swept up in a certain aesthetic of "political and religious correctness," which can ultimately render our art irrelevant—or even harmful—to people. As I've become more familiar with English-speaking songwriters, I've been struck by the example of Johnny Cash. Without religious pretensions, speaking from the perspective of the imprisoned and common people, he often presented the words of Jesus. If you have the time, I encourage you to listen to "Man in Black" (and to observe the faces of those who listen to it). I feel that we need to reclaim something of that vocation of being “folk prophets”, poets who embrace the cross by speaking with the voice of the street rather than that of the temple. If we want to speak with the power of Christ, we must be willing to break free from certain molds.

Aside from that, Dianita continues to work in consultation with dozens of Christian leaders. Many serve in high-stress contexts, such as those in Venezuela or Haiti. As her husband, I am amazed by the gift God has given her to strengthen these invaluable brothers and sisters. Also, as we have mentioned, she has been leading the music ministry in an executive role for some months now. She has done an admirable job. I can now say that I am in love with my boss!

Once again, dear friends, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of this ministry. We are the first to be amazed at what God does with something so simple. We ask that God sees your generous sowing... We dedicate to you that wonderful promise: ‘God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them’ (Heb. 6:10, NIV).

We send you our love and gratitude!